Pyrotechnic component

While the original usage of "pyrotechnics" referred to fireworks, there are a wide range of engineering applications for pyrotechnic components, which use small quantities of explosives to achieve a desired mechanical result.

Shear fasteners

For a number of applications where a bolt or other fastener absolutely must release, at a precise time, and without human hands, pyrotechnic bolts and other fasteners are ideal. The explosive, when triggered, cuts the fastener.

Pyrotechnic insertion

Now at the home handyman level are tools that use small explosive charges to insert fasteners into hard materials. One of the most common uses a .22 rifle cartridge to drive nails into concrete.

Gas generators

Pyrotechnics can generate large volumes of gas, or, when appropriate, clouds of finely divided particles. A very common application is the gas generator used to inflate an automotive air bag, which commonly uses a desensitized version of the explosive lead azide.